Keeping Focus
February 16, 2007
When I decided to stop working out every day, I had one big fear. The fear is actually the reason I worked out every day to begin with. The fear is this – if I stop working out every day I might stop being consistent. When I worked out every day, I had the frame of mind that I “had” to work out and then I found a way to make it happen no matter what else was happening in my life. If I stopped the streak, then I might not “have” to work out, and exercise could get crowded out by whatever else is going on in my life.
Well, I ended my streak last week, and so far I have not worked out three days this week. In fact, I have not worked out more days than I have worked out. I have some great reasons – work projects, valentines day, etc. I also have great excuses – I have been consumed by the motorcycle bug and have chosen to ride my motorcycle a couple of days when I could have worked out (great exercise for my motorcycle, not so much for me).
So what to do about it? The first thing is always to admit you have a problem. This is my problem. I have never had a period in my life where I wasn’t doing something physical (basketball, weightlifting, cycling, etc). But I have also always been sporadic and inconsistent as well. This is the habit I need to change.
My wife Lisa took up serious running about 13 years ago. I asked her last night – in the 13 years she’s been running, what’s the longest period of time she went without doing any exercise. Her answer . . . MAYBE one week. I bet over the last 13 years she has averaged at least 5 days a week, and probably closer to 6.
If I want to really lose weight; if I want to really lower my blood pressure and get off meds; then I have to have the attitude that working out is non-negotiable. And this month is the danger zone. Neil was commenting that the gym was crowded and he was looking forward to March – when people start to fade on their commitment. I don’t want to be that statistic. I am going to fight for my health and fitness.
My commitment – I will take Friday’s off and no other day. Here’s to supporting me on that journey.
Entry Filed under: 2007 Resolutions, Goals, Motorcycle, fitness, fitness over forty, health, high blood pressure, male over forty, over forty, weight loss. .
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1.
Jim O'Connor | February 16, 2007 at 3:15 pm
Taking days off are important in a healthy fitness program. In order to prevent yourself from slipping after a day off is to schedule your workouts on your calendar. I recommend this to all my consulting clients in Los Angeles. I also speak about this in my free multimedia fitness program email course at http://www.wellnessword.com.
Taking a day off is part of your overall fitness plan.
Jim
2.
zappoman | February 16, 2007 at 5:11 pm
Phil, I am here to pester you back to working out again. Although I agree with Jim’s comment that you also need to give your body a chance to recover (whether that is a full day off, or just a light day of cross training) I also understand how easy it is to get absorbed with other cool things.
I’m not surprised your motorcycle has become that cool new thing.
I like your idea of scheduling one day off a week… Friday is a good day for a lot of reasons.
BUT! I don’t want you missing this weekend.
Let’s do a ride this weekend! Together. Let’s do the Lake Washington Loop! Have you done it yet this year? You should! Let’s ride man!